Several Indian states are considering implementing social media bans for children, drawing inspiration from Australia's recent move to restrict access for those under 16. Goa and Andhra Pradesh are the first states to publicly consider such measures, with Goa's Tourism and Information Technology (IT) Minister, Rohan Khaunte, stating that the government has received numerous complaints from parents about social media becoming a distraction for students.
Khaunte mentioned that his department is studying Australia's legislation and will discuss the possibility of implementing a similar ban in Goa with the state's Chief Minister. The aim is to ensure children focus more on education and related technologies, which he believes will make them better citizens and secure the state and country's future. Andhra Pradesh is also exploring similar restrictions and has formed a panel of senior ministers to study global regulations and submit recommendations within a month.
Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 last year, resulting in the deactivation of 4.7 million teen accounts in the first month. France, Indonesia, and Malaysia are also monitoring Australia's approach.
India, with over a billion internet users, represents a significant market for tech companies like Meta, Google, and X. Currently, there are no national restrictions on social media for minors in India, and no indications the federal government plans to introduce any.
Meta has stated it supports parental oversight laws but cautioned against outright bans, suggesting they might push teens to less regulated platforms. A Meta spokesperson told Reuters that while they would comply with social media bans, teens use roughly 40 apps weekly, so targeting a few companies won't keep them safe.
Experts in India are also calling for a comprehensive study and action regarding social media use among children. They argue that children under 16 lack the capacity to judge what to upload, watch, and avoid on social media, necessitating a legal framework to regulate usage. Dr. Raveesh BN, head of psychiatry at Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, classifies social media addiction among children as a behavioral addiction, with adolescents being particularly vulnerable due to their lack of decision-making ability, self-regulation, and judgement. He suggests that a law is the best way to regulate children in this regard.
The potential bans are sparking debate about child safety, digital rights and platform accountability. Any social media regulation should endeavor to rebalance the asymmetry between powerful social media platforms and their vulnerable users, while ensuring that the measures adopted are reasonable, proportionate and in deference to the fundamental rights.
These considerations come amid growing concerns about the mental health risks associated with social media use among young people. The push toward digitization in education and entertainment has intensified the need for robust legal frameworks that protect children's online privacy. Children's data includes any information that can identify them, whether directly or indirectly, and is at risk of being exploited, often without their knowledge or understanding. When misused, this data can lead to identity theft and other issues.
